RESEARCH
The resources below were created for participants at the ACEP 2025 Annual Conference on energy healing, where Pamela Bloom presented a two-hour talk and experiential lab on “Resilience in Cancer,” June, 2025, in Phoenix, AZ
The research below demonstrates that every modality in Pamela’s Deep Immersion process has been researched and proven to be effective, especially with cancer patients, including breathwork, mindfulness, guided imagery, Reiki, Johrei, and music.
A Visual Companion and Meditations
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Cancer Management
Study: Clinical trials have demonstrated that mindfulness practices benefit various aspects of cancer management, including reducing treatment-related symptoms and improving quality of life.
Summary: Mindfulness-based interventions offer a holistic approach to support cancer patients' psychological and emotional well-being.
Evidence for the Role of Mindfulness in Cancer
GUIDED VISUALIZATION
These studies indicate that guided visualization can be a valuable complementary therapy in cancer care, particularly for managing psychological symptoms and enhancing quality of life.
1. Guided Imagery in Oncologic Care
Study: An article from the Oncology Nursing Society discussed accumulating evidence supporting guided imagery as an effective, nonpharmacologic option for managing cancer-related symptoms.
Summary: Guided imagery has been shown to help manage symptoms such as pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and mood disturbances in cancer patients, thereby improving quality of life. The technique is easy to adopt with minimal instruction and can be personalized by patients.
2. Guided Imagery for Symptom Management in Cancer Patients
Study: A study highlighted by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center explored the use of guided imagery to reduce treatment-related symptoms in cancer patients.
Summary: Small studies suggest that guided imagery can help reduce nausea and vomiting related to treatment, improve sleep disturbances, and decrease fatigue. Regular practice of guided imagery may empower patients to manage symptoms more effectively.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
REIKI
1. Reiki and Cancer-Related Symptoms
Study: A randomized controlled trial found that Reiki therapy significantly reduced anxiety and improved mood in presurgical breast cancer patients.
Summary: This study suggests that Reiki can be an effective complementary therapy to alleviate psychological distress in cancer patients.
2. Reiki Therapy for Pain and Anxiety
Study: A systematic review concluded that Reiki therapy may be effective in reducing pain and anxiety among adults, including those with cancer.
Summary: The analysis supports the incorporation of Reiki as a complementary approach to manage pain and anxiety in cancer care settings.
Effect of Reiki Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Adults
3. Reiki Therapy's Impact on Quality of Life and Fatigue
Study: Research indicates that Reiki therapy can reduce fatigue and enhance the quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Summary: This study supports the use of Reiki as a nursing intervention to mitigate chemotherapy-induced fatigue and improve patients' overall well-being.
Effect of Reiki Therapy on Quality of Life and Fatigue Levels
4. Reiki Therapy During Infusion for Cancer Patients
Study: Dyer et al. (2024) Summary: In a study involving 268 cancer patients receiving infusion treatments, 15 to 20-minute Reiki sessions led to significant reductions in pain, fatigue, anxiety, and nausea, along with improved well-being.
Summary: Participants reported high satisfaction and a positive healing experience.
REIKI + MUSIC
These studies highlight the potential benefits of integrating Reiki and music therapy to enhance patient outcomes, particularly in managing pain, stress, and anxiety.
1. Reiki with Music
Study: Bremner et al. (2016) Summary: In this randomized study, people living with HIV who received Reiki with music showed greater reductions in stress and pain than those who received music
Summary: Qualitative feedback highlighted relief from anxiety and depression.
2. Reiki+Music for PreoperativeAnxiety
Study: Cassidy et al. (2023)
Summary: This meta-analysis found that Reiki, especially when paired with music therapy, significantly reduced preoperative anxiety compared to music alone. Short-term interventions (three sessions or fewer) were most effective.
JOHREI
Johrei and Immune Function: Enhancing NK Cells
Study: Naito et al. (2003)
Summary: In a controlled trial with university students under academic stress, participants practicing Johrei showed a significant increase in NK cell percentages and a healthier immune profile compared to controls. These findings suggest Johrei may buffer stress-related immune suppression. Link: PubMed Abstract
BREATHWORK
Breathwork and Chemotherapy Symptoms Relief. Dhruva et al. (2012)
Summary: A pilot randomized controlled trial found that yoga breathing techniques significantly reduced cancer-related symptoms and improved quality of life in chemotherapy patients. The breathwork group reported better sleep, less anxiety, and enhanced emotional well-being.
SPIRITUALITY AND CANCER CARE
The following studies explore the role of spirituality in the health care of cancer patients.
1. Creating Optimal Healing Environments for Cancer Patients
Study: Geffen JR (2004)
Summary: This article outlines insights and best practices from over a decade of experience creating healing environments for cancer patients and families. It emphasizes integrating mind-body-spirit care and fostering meaning, connection, and empowerment.
2. Spirituality and CAM Use Among Cancer Survivors
Study: Hsiao et al. (2008)
Summary: This study explored how religiosity and spirituality influence the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer survivors in California. It found that those with higher levels of spiritual or religious engagement were more likely to use CAM therapies, including energy healing.
Integr Cancer Ther. 2008;7:139–146
3. Unmet Needs and CAM Use in CancerSurvivors
Study: Mao et al. (2008)
Summary: This study found that cancer survivors with unmet physical, emotional, or spiritual needs were significantly more likely to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including energy therapies. CAM served as a way to seek empowerment and fill gaps not addressed by conventional care.
J Cancer Surviv. 2008;2:116–124
4. SpiritualWell-Being and the JARELScale
Study: Hungelmann et al. (1996) Summary: This study introduces the JAREL Spiritual Well-Being Scale, a tool measuring interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in patients. It validates the importance of spiritual care, particularly in geriatric and long-term illness populations.
VIDEOS
Dr. Gabor Mate on “Decoding Suppressed Emotions, Cancer Traits, and Trauma-Addiction Connection”
Bruce Lipton on “Cancer is a Symptom”
Chante Lowe, a To Athlete Talks about Resilience in Cancer
BOOKS
When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection, by Gabor Mate MD
Quantum Healing, Exploring the Frontiers of Mind-Body Medicine by Deepak Chopra
Dying to Be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing, by Anita Moorjani
